Procurement Specialist

UPL•Cary, NC

About The Position

Based in Cary, North Carolina, and reporting directly to the Procurement Lead, NA, the Procurement Specialist identifies key suppliers of raw materials, negotiates purchasing agreements, and ensures materials and products meet company specifications. The role also handles indirect purchases and works closely with Planning, Manufacturing, and the Kingstree, South Carolina plant. The ideal candidate researches and evaluates suppliers, analyzes price proposals, and pursues cost savings through materials standardization and vendor bundling.

Requirements

BS/BA in Supply Chain, Business, or a related field.
At least 5 years of experience in production planning environments and purchasing raw materials, packaging materials, equipment, and supplies.
Demonstrated success negotiating optimal pricing terms and working on teams.
Working knowledge of SAP and high proficiency in Microsoft Office.
Ability to respond agilely to changing business needs and identify and champion ideas for improvement and growth.
Good communication skills, including listening and presenting information logically and articulately for the audience.
Strong negotiation skills and ability to confer with others, explore alternatives, and reach outcomes supported by all parties.
High attention to detail and accuracy.
Ability and track record of managing complex sourcing and procurement projects.

Nice To Haves

Experience specializing in the agriculture or chemical industry.
CPM or APICS certification.

Responsibilities

Negotiate pricing, payment terms, and Incoterms for non-contracted raw materials in accordance with purchasing-file requirements or IVALUA purchase requisitions.
Execute purchase orders to meet delivery and specification requirements, and maintain and update purchase-order and vendor requirements in the company planning system.
Solicit suppliers, request bids, negotiate prices, and implement arrangements for required materials and services.
Maintain accurate system data, including pricing, lead times, and dates, and monitor orders to ensure vendor commitments are met and expedite needs are fulfilled.
Attend meetings and update planning and production teams about issues or risks that could prevent the organization from meeting internal or external customer demands.
Communicate delivery requirements clearly to Planning and Production teams to support production schedules.
Prepare and present monthly supply-chain dashboard and recommendation reports.
Manage vendors for quality, service, price, and on-time delivery.
Collaborate with suppliers, Manufacturing, and the packaging consultant to establish material specification sheets for purchased materials.
Research opportunities to reduce costs.